1. Communication

• Join the team’s chosen communication platform (text group, app, or email).

• Check messages regularly for schedule updates, weather delays, or changes.

• Communicate absences as early as possible.

• Relay information from coaches to players—do not add or change messaging.
  
  

2. Game & Practice Expectations

• Make sure players arrive on time, ready to play, with the required equipment.

• Ensure your child has water, appropriate clothing, and softball gear.

• Stay at the field for practices if you wish. These are not closed practices.
  
  

3. Sideline Behavior

• Encourage positive cheering only.

• Avoid coaching from the sidelines—let the coaches coach.

• No arguing with umpires, scorekeepers, or other teams.

• Support all players, not just your own.

4. Player Development & Attitude

• Help reinforce good sportsmanship at home.

• Encourage effort and learning, not just wins.

• Remind players to respect teammates, coaches, and officials.
  
  

5. Volunteer Expectations

• Many teams need:

  • Dugout helpers (if allowed by the league)

  • Scorekeepers or pitch counters

  • Snack-rotation or drink cooler helpers

  • Field prep assistance (raking, chalking)

  • Tent and net set-up

• Parents should be willing to help when asked.
  
  

6. Safety & Conduct

• Ensure your child has any needed medical information on file with the coach.

• No tobacco, vaping, or alcohol near playing areas.

• Follow all league and park rules.
  
  

7. Equipment Responsibility

• Label your child’s gear.

• Check equipment regularly for proper fit and safety.

• Make sure players bring helmets, gloves, bats (if they have one), and cleats to each practice/game.
  
  

8. Attendance & Commitment

• Youth teams depend on consistent attendance—please prioritize games when possible.

• Notify coaches if your child will miss part of the season (vacations, other sports).
  
  

9. Respect for Volunteers

• Coaches and board members are volunteers giving their time.

• Address concerns respectfully and privately—never during or right after games.

• Follow the association’s grievance or communication chain if issues arise.
  
  

10. Weather & Cancellations

• Understand that safety is the priority.

• Decisions may be last-minute due to field conditions.

• Trust that the board and coaches are making the best call with the information available.

11. Photography & Video Disclaimer

• Photographs and video may be taken of participants, coaches, spectators, volunteers, and other guests at Panther Strikes games, practices, tournaments, or other events for program-related purposes. This may include, but is not limited to, website content, social media posts, program promotions, sponsorship recognition, or other marketing/communication materials. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of media used for any of these purposes, please contact the board directly.

8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, HS (16&18U) age brackets defined by USA Softball: 

https://mnsoftball.com/pages/cms/age-calculator

Placement priority will always be given to students of Pine Island School District. Teams will be formed with between 11 and 15 players. Should the registration numbers be outside of the guidelines, those satisfying this criterion will be placed on teams before registrants from outside the association. Late registrants may be given other options if team formations are already complete, such as being a sub or practice only player. As a Board, our goal is to get every player on a team that registers.

Panther Strikes Softball Association recognizes that it has an obligation to our players and to our opponents to form teams with skill levels commensurate to age and competitive ability. We will always do our very best to ensure we are placing our teams in the proper tiers that will allow them success and growth. In some cases, tryouts may be necessary in order to form traveling or tournament teams.

USA Softball dictates age groupings and does not allow players to play down a level. Panther Strikes Softball Association exists to provide opportunities for girls to perform at the best of their ability and the board recognizes that there may be athletes with exceptional ability who are best served by playing at a more competitive level. Players wishing to play up must make it known as part of the registration and must have parent or guardian approval. Determination for allowing a player to play in a higher age group will be done by the Panther Strikes Softball Board and will only be considered if it doesn't affect team formations at the child's current level and next level up. The Panther Strikes Softball Board reserves the right to request a player to move up to a higher age level to fill out rosters in order to maintain the best interests of the program. Any and all exceptions must be approved by the board.

2026 UMPIRE REGISTRATION

Umpires will register in the same system as the players and teams now. The cost is the same as it has been in the past ($75 for adults, $50 for minors). For adults a background check is bundled in the $75. Minors do not get a background check, as they do not have searchable criminal records. To register as an umpire, go to https://mnsoftball.com/pages/cms/umpire-registration

Our association believes that every child should have the opportunity to play softball, regardless of financial circumstances.
We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships each season to help cover registration fees for families who may need assistance.

If you would like to request a scholarship, please download and complete the Scholarship Request Form below. Once finished, email the form to:

pisoftballboard.reg@gmail.com

All information is kept confidential and reviewed only by the board members responsible for registrations and financial assistance. Families will be contacted once their application has been reviewed.

The registration scholarship can be downloaded here 

14U and older - if a player has a concern, the player needs to talk directly to the coach. One of our goals for the summer program is to develop strong young woman who can learn to handle their own concerns. For 14U and older, coaches will discuss what a player needs to do to improve their game or how they can contribute more to the team.

12U and younger - if a player has a concern, we would prefer that the player talk directly to the coach. As discussed above, our goal is to develop the girls into strong young woman. However, for these younger age groups, a parent may set up a time with the coach and player to discuss any concerns. Coaches will discuss what a player needs to do to improve their game or how they can contribute more to the team.

For all age groups, parents may not approach the coach with a concern immediately before or after a game. Because games can be emotional times for everyone involved and concerns do not get resolved during emotional times, we instruct our coaches to follow the 24-hour rule. That is, coaches will not talk about player or parent issues until 24 hours following the event. The parent must set up a time with the coach and player to discuss the concern. As stated previously, coaches will discuss what a player needs to do to improve their game or how they can contribute more to the team.

There are proper ways to communicate and have your concerns addressed. Email or texts are not accepted methods to discuss concerns. However, email or text can be used to schedule a meeting with a coach to discuss concerns.

In all age groups and game type, USA Softball rules must be followed. They can be found here. 

Our league and association are committed to providing every athlete with meaningful playing time. Because most of our game days are scheduled as double-headers, each game serves a different purpose:

• Game 1 is played competitively and counts toward league standings. 

• Game 2 is developmental and does not count toward standings. This game is used to ensure fair play time, give players opportunities at new positions, and support their growth as all-around athletes.

• Fall ball is considered much more of a developmental league. As the season progresses, the league matches you with similar teams based on record.

We expect coaches to balance competitiveness with development—and to make sure every player is included and improving.

Tournament play teams and lineups will be formed to be as competitive as possible.